I Am Alfonso Jones
What’s inside...
Alfonso Jones is excited to play Hamlet in his school’s hip-hop rendition of the classic play and wants to confess his feelings to his friend, Danetta. However, his life takes a tragic turn when an off-duty officer mistakes a clothes hanger for a gun and fatally shoots him. In the afterlife, Alfonso rides a ghost train with other victims of police shootings, learning about the spiritual world. Meanwhile, his family and friends grieve and seek justice. This graphic novel addresses police brutality and the Black Lives Matter movement, illustrating that the fight for justice continues in both life and death. Foreword by Bryan Stevenson, author of Just Mercy.
Age
12-18
Length
168 pages
Text complexity
Character compass
Alfonso Jones
Nola
Crispus Attucks
Dona Alma
Jethro Jones
Discussion points
What emotions did you feel while reading about Alfonso Jones's experiences?
How do you think Alfonso's story could help us understand real-life issues?
Alfonso uses theater as a way to express himself. What are some ways you like to express your feelings?
What changes would you make if you were in Alfonso's community to help everyone feel safer and more understood?
Why do you think it's important for stories like Alfonso's to be shared and discussed?
Tip: Role play these questions
Encourage empathy by asking your child to consider how Alfonso or his friends might be feeling in different parts of the book.
Discuss the importance of understanding and respecting diverse perspectives through Alfonso's interactions with others.
Support critical thinking by challenging your child to think of ways they can contribute to conversations around justice and fairness in their own community.
Highlight the power of storytelling and art, like theater, in expressing personal and societal struggles, and ask your child how they use creativity to share their own experiences and ideas.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Understanding and confronting social justice issues
Explanation: The book delves into the sensitive topics of racial injustice and police brutality through the story of Alfonso Jones, a young black teenager. It highlights the impact of these issues on individuals and communities.
Real-World Application: Children can learn to recognize social injustices around them and understand the importance of advocacy and dialogue in addressing these issues in their communities and schools.
Example Lesson: Empathy and compassion
Explanation: Through Alfonso’s experiences and the pain his family and friends endure, readers are encouraged to empathize with characters who face racial discrimination and to understand their struggles on a deeper level.
Real-World Application: This lesson can help children develop a sense of empathy towards people who might have different life experiences from their own, fostering a more inclusive and understanding environment.
Example Lesson: The importance of civic engagement
Explanation: Alfonso Jones highlights the role of community and activism in seeking justice. The narrative introduces the idea of using one's voice and actions to make a difference.
Real-World Application: Children learn the value of participating in community discussions, peaceful protests, and other civic duties to advocate for positive change.
Example Lesson: Resilience in the face of adversity
Explanation: Despite the challenges and injustices Alfonso faces, his story is one of courage and resistance, showcasing the power of resilience.
Real-World Application: This teaches children that they have the strength to overcome difficulties and to continue striving for fairness and justice despite obstacles.